Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) claimed a dramatic 1–0 victory over Plateau United in a tense Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Round 7 clash at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Sunday evening.
The Oluyole Warriors left it late, but substitute Ismaila Ayodele proved to be the match-winner, firing home the decisive goal in the 95th minute to hand his side a deserved three points in front of their jubilant supporters and Executive Governor of the state, Engr Seyi Makinde.
Both teams started cautiously, with few clear chances in the opening half. Shooting Stars dominated possession and dictated the tempo but were repeatedly denied by a resilient Plateau United defence. The visitors also carved out moments of danger but failed to trouble the hosts’ goalkeeper with any serious effort.
After the interval, Shooting Stars increased their attacking urgency, stretching the opposition with crosses and set pieces. Plateau United, meanwhile, relied on swift counter-attacks but lacked precision in the final third.
The breakthrough finally arrived deep into stoppage time when Ayodele pounced on a loose ball inside the box and slotted it home with low flying header, sparking wild celebrations across the stadium.
Statistically, the hosts were the more enterprising side, registering 4 shots on target to Plateau United’s 2, while also enjoying 54% of ball possession and winning 7 corners compared to the visitors’ 2. Plateau United were more aggressive in their approach, committing 14 fouls and picking up three yellow cards during the contest.
The result reinforces Shooting Stars’ impressive home form this season and propels them higher up the NPFL standings, while Plateau United will be disappointed to have lost concentration so late in the game.
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Match Summary
Shooting Stars FC 1–0 Plateau United FC
Goal: Ismaila Ayodele (90+5’)
Possession: 54% – 46%
Shots on Target: 4 – 2
Corners: 7 – 2
Fouls: 9 – 14
Yellow Cards: 0 – 3
Red Cards: 0 – 0
